Light drama in the Senate as Oshomhole opposes Akpabio

There was mild drama in the Senate on Wednesday, when Senator Adams Oshiomhole representing Edo North interrupted the Senate President who was addressing the upper house.

The move sparked several arguments as other Senators joined in calling for Oshomhole to order, with the Senate President threatening to use the order to expel him from the red chamber.

When Akpabio began reading the Vote and Proceedings on Tuesday, Oshiomhole raised a point of order, and the Senate President had to remind him of the rules of the Senate as contained in the 2023 Standing Orders as amended: that when going through this Vote and Proceedings, a point of order is not always taken.

As Oshiomhole continued, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) to educate Oshiomhole on order, and Kalu said the same thing as the Senate President: that there was no point in order at this point.

At this point, Oshiomhole did not stop, and his whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) warned that if the Edo North senator continued, he would use the powers at his disposal and then asked Oshiomhole to be guided.

Akpabio then continued to this point, and suggested that they all read the regulations and head to Order 20.

Akpabio said, “We should not just go home, buy a form and come here without knowing the rules”.

He then issued a stern warning to Oshiomhole, warning him against further harassment. “Oshiomhole, if you misbehave, we will use the rules to expel you from the Senate,” he said.

Akpabio then went on and on, with Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) moving for a vote and process and supported by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).